If you do not see debris in pan, don't automatically assume that you are in good shape. Refer to the thread that Stewie referenced in Post #2. My pan looked good, and if I had just used this as an indicator, I would have missed the mark! Cost to repair was about $300 (including a used extension housing).

 

found tons of metal in the pan so knew it was bad. finally got it out and to someone who knows thier $#!+. turns out the guy who was in it previously forgot a snap ring that holds the governor housing on the main shaft. chewed a bunch of stuff. bummer! should be back together with some upgrades just in time to go back in storage for the winter.